Ten things you can do to improve your mental health:
- Exercise regularly. Regular exercise can boost your mood and improve your mental
health. Even just a 15 minute walk can help. Bring a friend. Take a yoga class or find one online. On a tight budget? Check for free fitness classes in your area. -
Sleep well. The average person should get at least 7 hours of sleep. Remember that the quality of sleep is equally important. Try waking up at the same time every morning, including on weekends. Turn off your screens before going to bed.
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Don’t over-schedule. Having an overbooked schedule causes stress and anxiety. It’s okay to say “no” sometimes.
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Stay connected. Strong, positive connections with friends and family makes people healthier. Seek out activities where you can connect with friends/family or meet new people. Spending time with pets lowers stress too.
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Be kind to yourself. Avoid self-criticism. When you are feeling down it’s easy to be hard on yourself, but it just makes you feel worse. Say something nice to yourself. Talk to yourself like you would to a good friend. Make time for your hobbies or learn something new.
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Take a deep breath. Slowly inhale and slowly exhale while focusing on just your breathing.
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Make a happiness list. Write down the things that bring you joy. It can be something big or small and include anything or anyone that makes you happy.
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Plan ahead. Make a list of things that you find relaxing or that you enjoy. The next time you feel down, pick something from the list!
- Eat well. A healthy diet helps support a healthy mind.
- Seek help when you need it. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness but a sign of strength. If you or someone you know needs help, reach out to your provider, mental health counselor, or you can call or text 988 when in crisis.
Remember to be kind to yourself!
